Daily US Times: Actor Chadwick Boseman, acted as a lead in Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer at the age of 43, his representative said. He played black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther.
His publicist Nicki Fioravante said on Friday that Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side.
His family said in a statement Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement added.
“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom and several more – all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King TChalla to life in Black Panther.”
The actor had not spoken publicly about his diagnosis.
Boseman was born in South Carolina and graduated from Howard University and had small roles in television before his first star turn in 2013. His striking portrayal of the stoic baseball star Robinson opposite Harrison Ford in 2013s 42 drew attention in Hollywood.
He died on a day that major league baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson day.
Actor and director Jordan Peele said on Twitter “This is a crushing blow”. Many actors are expressing shock as the news spread across social media.
Aactor and writer Issa Rae tweeted: “This broke me.”
His T’Challa character was first introduced to the blockbuster Marvel movies in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and after the release of blockbuster movie Black Panther two years ago, his Wakanda Forever salute reverberated around the world. The cinema took in more than $1.3 bn in global box office and is the only Marvel Studios film to receive a best picture Oscar nomination.
Chadwick Boseman took on his first producing job in last years action thriller 21 Bridges, in which he also starred. He was last seen on-screen in Spike Lees film Da 5 Bloods as the leader of a group of Black soldiers in the Vietnam War.
He completed one last performance, in an adaptation of August Wilson’s Neflix film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. The film, in which Boseman stars alongside Viola Davis, finished shooting last summer.
Even at the outset of his Hollywood career, the actor was clear-eyed about and even sceptical of the industry in which he would become a global star.